Reykjavik - Isafjordur

Our starting point is Reykjavik, the world’s most Northern capital, the gateway to the wild west. On the edge of the Arctic circle and on the edge of civilization just before nature gains control, lies the biggest city of Iceland. We will follow a trail of out posts were men won and men lost. Learn about the cruel beauty and hardship these people endured. We sail in a setting of snow covered slopes, shifting into fields of flowers in every spectacular form and color! Accompanied by Killer whales, Fin whales, Humpbacks and Sperm whales.
Setting of into the Faxafloi, the Arctic blue provides a magical twist to the mountains covered in mist. A good first stop is Hvalfjordur, translated - whale fjord. At it’s entrance lies the abandoned whale factory, witness to Icelands whaling past, not so long ago. Crossing the Flaxafloi we are part of the sagas for which the area is famous. To starboard lies Reykholt the setting for Eggils saga.
We sail north in the shadow of the sleeping volcano Sneafellnes, standing at 1450 meter. Her “pyramid of eternal snow” can be seen from Reykjavik as well as from Latrabjarg. The bay is littered with weather permitting anchorages, all different but of equal beauty. Arnastapi at the foot of the Sneafellsnes is a good point to attempt its summit. According to the sagas the first to reach the summit was the troll Bardur. His statue near the basalt formations confirms his heroic feet!
Sneafellsnes mountain range is the natural border between the Faxafloi and the Breidafjordur, but also between the Westfjords and the rest of the country! Rounding the peninsula on a clear day the snow-covered table mountains of the Westfjord area make the difference very obvious. While on starboard we find the relatively young lava field at the foot of the Sneafellsnes, 30 NM to the North the vulcanos, once trapped by the glaciers, leave a landscape of table mountains. We slowly make our way North, but not before exploring the Breidafjordur. Olafvik is another good place to start a hike up the slopes of the Sneafelsness, or just a stroll up one of the less demanding cliffs. Grundarfjordur 20NM further into the Breidafjordur, also offers some great walks after a good day sailing. The old fishing port is still used by the locals as the main place for landing their catch of Cod.

Creeping further into the fjord among the many little Islands, “post-card-pretty” Stykkisholmur sits at its undisputable throne. This colorful settlement is a wonderful scenery. Stykkisholmur has much to offer. Being one of the first areas to be settled, the village plays a role in many sagas. Today the port is known for its catch in halibut and scallops.

If time and weather permit we descend a little further into the saga country. Navigating the tides and little Islands we enter Hvammsfjordur. Beautifully hidden behind natural barriers, well off the beaten track. Another one of these places is the Island of Flatey. Once a busy trading port, now a favorite spot for many bird species. It gives a great view over the Breidafjordur. Being able to see both table mountains and the ice cap on the Sneafellnes is wonderful.

The South coast has many secluded anchorage worth exploring! One of these is Kevlavik( (not to be mixed with Kevlavik airport). If weather permits we anchor in the shelter of the famous Latrabjarg opposite the orange refuge hut. For those who like, there is a challenging walk to the bird cliffs. If the mood is less adventures, the views from the beach are more than enough! Rounding Bjargtangar we set ourselves up for the Westfjord and its towering cliffs. The hardship people had to endure here over the years, has proven too much for some of them. Simply driven back by the force of nature. High seas, avalanches and poor summers not producing enough hay for the livestock, slowly drained the population.

This deeply indented West coast harbours many safe havens. The glacial landscape is predominant with the ever-present Greenland Sund (Denmark strait). Branching of the North Atlantic drift, the Irminger current brings relatively mild temperatures. Its northern counterpart, the East Greenland current does the opposite by pushing the colder water South. Both of them collide right there on the Westfjords. Many different species of marine mammals feed on the plankton carried by the East Greenland current.

Crossing the entrance of the Isafjardardjup we arrive at the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Abandoned in the 1950’s Hornstrandir was left to look after its self. It is now home to most Arctic fauna that flourish in the short and intense summer. Arctic foxes roam freely, while Puffins, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots nest on the towering sea cliffs! One of the highlights while in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a walk up one of the cliffs of Hornbjarg. Amidst all the wild flowers you are sure to spot an Arctic fox or her cups!

We end our trip in Isafjordur, the capital of the Westfjords with a staggering 1500 inhabitants! Two planes a day land at the air strip. For the those who have some more time, it is a great point to explore the rest of Iceland.

Bark Europa

Tecla

Active Sailing

The three Dutch Tall Ships ‘Tecla’, bark ‘Europa’ and ‘Oosterschelde’ sailed around the world together. Many guests joined us and returned loaded with many stories of these adventurous voyages and plans for new adventures to come!
Join the Dutch Tall Ships in their voyages to destinations like Iceland, Cape Verde and Antarctica. These vessels make a great stay to cross the ocean and escape the hectic land life. You are invited to join in all activities on board. Sailing experience is not required and all nationalities and ages can participate.